Best Part: Reggie Mantle FF

twenty-seven

In the living room, Amayla and Diana sit with their grandmother on the couch while Reggie sits outside on the porch swing, waiting for the family talk to be over with.

"When your mother met your father, I have never seen her so happy," she explained while looking at the two of them. "She kept saying, 'It's density Mom. I love him. He's the one.' "

Amayla whispers while fiddling with her fingers.  "And?.."

Mrs. Smith pets Amayla's head, looking at her. "And it was. Your father has secrets. He does. But he keeps them for a reason. When your father was handling a case once, one of the criminals figured out his cover, and he hid your mother here for seven months while she was pregnant with you and Diana was just one and a half."

Diana's eyes soften as she continues listening to the story. "She was sad. Your Grandpa and I had to be strong. They had just gotten married, had Diana, and then Amayla was on the way. Your father returned, alive. And your parents vowed to keep his actual career in hiding, even from you two."

"I don't get it," Diana replied. "If Dad is a detective, then how did he handle that stalker case that made us move to Riverdale?"

"What do you think? That boy had it out for your father. Your father put his Dad in prison years before you two were even born." Mrs. Smith gets up and turns on the living room light. "After your parents figured it out, it was a trap; the damage had been done."

"Doesn't Colorado know that the boy that almost rapped that girl knows that his father is a criminal, too?" Amayla asks.

"All I know is that the boy was raised by the momma. But girls, you shouldn't get mad at your father. He did it for your safety."

"Bullshit!" Diana yells.

"Language."

"Bullskippie." Diana exhales. "Safety, I can understand, but lying?? The whole reason why we moved was because he slipped on the secret, and we had to move to Riverdale! And what does Mom have to do with his 'mission' of stopping the bad guys??"

Mrs. Smith shakes her head. "Your mother is his wife. She is his emotional support, and she is there to report it on the spot."

Amayla dazes out. "That makes sense..."

Diana puffs. "Unbelievable. Un freaking believable." Diana stomps up the stairs and shuts her guest bedroom door.

Mrs. Smith yells at the staircase. "And get your boyfriend! He's been standing out there for forty-five minutes!."

"Grandma, that's my boyfriend.." Amayla whispers.

Mrs. Smith turns to her, shocked. "What??"

●●●●

In the kitchen, Reggie sits on the stool next to Amayla as Mrs. Smith cuts a fresh out-of-the-oven slice of apple pie and serves it to Reggie and her grandaughter.

"I am so sorry. Forgive me for my enpoliteness for not speaking to you."

"It's okay, Ma'am, I understand."

Mrs. Smith leans on the table as she scans him. "And you are?"

Reggie looks up and pulls out his hand. "Reginald Mantle."